ACEA

CARS 21: A roadmap for the future – more relevant than ever

What is CARS 21?

CARS 21 is the abbreviation of ‘Competitive Automotive Regulatory System for the 21st century’. Championed by the European Commission, the initiative was launched in 2005 to strengthen competitiveness and employment in the automotive sector while enhancing progress toward safety and environmental goals - at a price affordable to the consumer.

The CARS 21 recommendations in a nutshell

CARS 21 endorses an integrated approach to emission reduction and road safety goals by encouraging all stakeholders, including industry, governments, fuel companies and consumers, to play their part.

It promotes better regulation principles and encourages multilateral and bilateral reciprocal trade agreements. To encourage getting the cleanest, safest cars onto roads, CARS 21 highlights the importance of fleet renewal and the issue of end-costs to consumers.

The CARS 21 mid-term review calls, in addition, for more international harmonisation via UNECE and for giving industry sufficient lead-times to implement regulatory changes. Thorough impact assessments and early consultation with the industry are key as well.

Who takes part?

Formed in January 2005, the CARS 21 High Level Group includes representatives from national governments, European Commissioners, the European Parliament, CEOs from the auto sector, environmentalists, trade unions, consumers and the oil industry.

What has happened so far?

The initial CARS 21 report, adopted in December 2005, includes a series of crucial recommendations for policy makers and a ten-year roadmap for implementation. Many of the recommendations were included in a Commission Communication in January 2007.

A mid-term review of CARS 21 was published in October 2008. Its forward looking conclusions press for continuous improvement in coherence, predictability and cost-effectiveness of regulation to secure manufacturing in Europe in the future. CARS 21 also proves its value as an important forum for exchanging information during the economic crisis. As such, CARS 21 is recognised by a Commission Communication, Council Conclusions and a European Parliament Resolution in early 2009.

CARS 21 will continue as a platform to address issues in the short, medium and long term, including the economic situation, competitiveness of the industry progress in safety and the environment.

Why is CARS 21 so important?

CARS 21 acknowledges the damaging effects of over-regulation on the competitiveness of the auto sector. In the face of the economic downturn, this is more relevant than ever, as the industry urgently needs relief from legislation that burdens it with unnecessary costs. CARS 21 points to ways in which the industry and society as a whole would benefit from careful policy-making that supports economic growth as well as other important societal goals

Engine of Europe

The automotive sector is key for the European economy, with at least 12 million employees and their families depending on manufacturing, research and development of vehicles in Europe. The car industry is essential for sustaining and improving the economic strength of the European Union and ensuring future prosperity of its citizens. There is a clear need to establish a policy framework that fosters the EU automotive sector.

• Questions and Answers on CARS 21 (updated October 2008)
• Conclusions of the CARS 21 Mid-Term Review
• Final report and conclusions of the CARS 21 Mid-Term Review
• ACEA Press Release: Supportive framework is paramount to the future of vehicle manufacturing in Europe
• European Commission Press Release: European automotive policy: For job security and green and affordable cars

last updated 19/05/2009

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